Functions

- are predefined formulas that perform calculations based on specific values,

called arguments in a particular order or structure.
- are powerful tools that perform complicated calculations and operations
easily and quickly.
- are integrated specialized algorithms that you can include into your own
formulas to perform various calculations.
- built-in formulas that perform special calculations automatically.
- is a piece of code designed to calculate specific values and are used inside
formulas.
- is a preset formula.

The basic functions are:

SUM
AVG (Average)
COUNT
MAX (Maximum)
MIN (Minimum)

Uses of basic functions:

SUM - adds or totals the value in a range of cells.

AVERAGE - totals the value in a range and divide the result with the number of
items in the range.
COUNT - counts the number of cells containing numbers including date, time and
formulas.
MAX - is used to find the largest or maximum number in a specified range of cells..
MIN - is used to find the smallest or minimum value in a specified range of cells.

Equal Sign - tells that the cell contains a formula, not just ordinary text.
Function name - tells what calculations to perform.
Arguments - determine values or cell references on which the function base its
calculation.
- arguments are most likely to be cell references contained inside the
parenthesis.
To enter functions directly into the worksheet cell:

1. Select the cell into which the formula will be displayed.

2. Type the equal sign (=).
3. Enter the name of the function (e.g. SUM) followed by the opening parenthesis
[(], any arguments required for the function (e.g. E2:E5), and closing
parenthesis.
4. Press Enter. The result of the function will be displayed in the cell.

Note: Formulas and functions are not case-sensitive. Thus =SUM(B1:B2) is the
same as =sum(b1:b2). Functions however are sensitive to the arguments used
and the placement of the colon (:) or (;). Do not put spaces between
function names, parenthesis, arguments, colons, and semi-colons.

Be Careful!

=SUM(A1:A6) and =SUM(A1,A6)

DO NOT MEAN THE SAME THING: The colon is used for a series of cells and the
comma is used for 2 cells.

Steps in using the SUM, AVG, COUNT, MAX, MIN function:

A. The SUM Function:

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the function.

2. Type =SUM(
3. Enter the range of cells you want to sum up and then type the close parenthesis
[)].
4. Press the Enter key.

Note: You can enter the range by dragging the mouse over the cells you want to
add or simply type in the references of the cells you want to sum up.
B. The AVERAGE Function:

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the function.

2. Type =AVERAGE(
3. Enter the range of cells you want to sum up and then type the close parenthesis
[)].
4. Press the Enter key.

C. The COUNT, MIN and MAX Function:

The steps to perform these three function are similar to that of performing
AVERAGE or SUM.